The Pension Rights Center honored seven activists and financial columnist Michelle Singletary at an event held on November 7th, 2017 at the Carnegie Institution in Washington, D.C. One of the activists honored was Adam Krauthamer who is currently the Executive Director of Musicians for Pension Security.

The Center honored retiree and worker activists for their work to stop pension cuts and to work toward a solution to solve underfunding in multiemployer plans and protect retirees’ benefits. In speaking about the activists, Karen Friedman, the Center’s Executive Vice President, called them, “supermen and superwomen and some of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. They truly represent democracy-in-action.” Friedman went on to say that, “Many of these individuals, shy at first, have become fearless warriors, first-rate financial analysts and lobbyists. They have created an unstoppable movement and have inspired legislation. I am convinced their efforts will help stop pension cuts and save multiemployer plans.” Read more about the event here.

Mr. Krauthamer accepted the award from The Pension Rights Center on behalf of the many members of the AFM who are fighting to protect their pensions from being cut. At the event, he spoke about the importance of organizing nationally and speaking as one voice to seek help for the millions of people who are affected by underfunded multiemployer pension funds. He stressed the need for new legislation that helps these underfunded plans while at the same time protects retirees’ benefits. He finished his remarks by highlighting the importance of the Pension Rights Center and of the indispensable policy and legal help that it gives to activist groups like Musicians for Pension Security while asking for nothing in return.

While in D.C., Krauthamer also met with Gideon Bragin, Senator Sherrod Brown’s Senior Tax and Pension Policy Advisor, to discuss the Senator’s upcoming proposal and a week later, on November 16, it was released. The Butch Lewis Act of 2017 is a huge step in the right direction for pension funds like the AFM-EPF. Senator Brown’s office has sent MPS the summary, FAQ and the full legislation related to The Butch Lewis Act of 2017. To view, click the links below.